Sunday 23 October 2016

23rd October 2016 Unst SE1 Overcast

Another overcast but virtually calm morning. Skaw was glowing in the sunshine and a walk along the beach produced my first Black Redstart of the Autumn with 2 Robins, a Dunnock and a Goldcrest also seen plus several flocks of Fieldfares and Redwings. Norwick had held most of its birds from yesterday with 2 Woodcock, a Robin, 3 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrests, the Waxwing, 2 Chaffinches, 8 Brambling and the Common Rosefinch all seen. North Dale was quiet with just 3 Robins seen chasing each other around. At Burrafirth a Water Rail was inadvertently flushed, a Waxwing flew over calling and 2 Goldcrests were seen on the cliffs. Setters Hill yielded a single Blue Tit and nearby at Halligarth there were 2 Blue Tits, 3 Waxwings, a Blackcap and a Goldcrest. As we drove home a Long-tailed Duck was present at Haroldswick.


Skaw Beach looking prime real estate for a rare Wheatear...

Black Redstart on Skaw beach

Hedge Accentor at Skaw
my Prunella fix for today!

Common Rosefinch at Norwick

Long-tailed Duck at Haroldswick